Daily Meditation for December 31, 2025

An Irish saying has it right: “May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you’re going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far.” Our daily examen practices some of the same virtues: humility, in pondering our day’s activities and relationships; prayer that God’s Spirit will lead us into a new day equipped to do better; praise and thanksgiving for God’s wisdom and presence in our day’s activities. A daily examen is somewhat akin to a GPS message: Relax! Breathe deeply! Assess the situation! Recalculate! God loves to accompany us, eager to give us hindsight, foresight and insight as we journey on to Him. He does not critique our every move; He truly wants to walk with us and commune with us: “Relax, breathe deeply, assess the situation, recalculate! I am here with you!” Wishing you blessings for the year to come!

By Renée Domeier, OSB